Screening for Alzheimers Disease

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually done for people without any current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Tests or Guidelines

There are several tests that doctors may use to screen for
Alzheimers disease. Examples include:

Neurological exam—to test the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles) for evidence of other neurological disorders

Wechsler's Logical Memory and Visual Reproduction and Kendrick Object Learning Test—may be used if you have
symptoms of
depression

Seven-Minute Screen

Mini-Mental State Exam

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

Memory Impairment Screening

Self-assessment cognitive test—this is a test that you take on your own to assess your memory

Genetic testing is available, but it is not routinely used in most patients. It may be done in patients with a family history of early-onset Alzheimers. Researchers are also studying whether specialized imaging tests would be helpful in screening for Alzheimers disease. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation via a lumbar puncture may play a role in the diagnosis of Alzheimers disease.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.